Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a means of settling disputes - legal, family, business, community - via the assistance of a neutral third party (the Mediator) that guides the parties, using a defined process, to an informed and voluntary agreement which accommodates the unique needs of the parties involved.
What is the Mediator's role - does he or she make decisions with us or for us?
The Mediator is not empowered to impose a decision on the parties. The Mediator is a trained professional acting as a neutral third party to facilitate discussion and agreement between the parties allowing them to ultimately tailor an agreement to meet their needs.
If I use a Mediator, should I also have an attorney?
The beauty of Mediation is that an attorney is not required; however, each party should entertain the value of independent legal advice as it relates to reviewing any final agreement to be filed with the Court.
Is Mediation less expensive than an attorney?
Comparatively, Mediation is less expensive both in time and money especially when parties enter Mediation in good faith and work to reach a voluntary and informed agreement expeditiously.
What type of cases can I mediate?
Mediation is a process that can be used in many different situations such as divorce settlements, family disputes, employment issues, business and community situations, insurance claims, landlord and tenant disputes and contract issues, to name a few.
